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Autumn Stargazing

Winterstellar Stargazing at the Historic Monte Christo Winery

On a crisp autumn evening, there’s no better place in the world to gaze up at the stars.  Join us for a captivating journey through the universe as we explore constellations, ancient myths, and the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial wonders.

What to Expect this Autumn - April to early June
Your evening begins at 7:00 PM at our historic Cellar Door, where you’ll be greeted with a glass of wine and a brief introduction to the rich heritage of Monte Christo Winery. 
You’ll then make your way to our Underground Cellar for a charcuterie spread and an engaging presentation by expert Night Sky Guide and astro-photographer, Andy Davey.  Learn about the constellations, planets, and celestial wonders visible that evening, along with fascinating stories and myths connected to the stars.
Following the presentation, settle into comfortable bean bags under the vast open sky, and enjoy the show as our expert guide takes you on a journey through the cosmos. You’ll be provided with high-powered binoculars to view celestial wonders up close.
After the event, you’ll receive breathtaking images of the night sky taken by Andy during the experience, allowing you to relive the magic of the evening at home.
ENQUIRE AND BOOK

Experience the magic of Central Otago’s night skies.

If weather conditions allow we will be able to see:

  • Matariki, Orion and Te Waka o Rangi the great canoe on its journey to the underworld across our Northern night skies
  • Planets Jupiter and Mars from our own Solar System help demonstrate our position and relationship with our closest neighbours
  • The zodiacal constellations of Taurus and Gemini let us introduce European narratives about the night skies
  • We will take a closer look with our powerful binoculars at the Beehive and Matariki star clusters before moving our attention to the Southern skies
  • We will learn how to find due South using the Southern Cross and Pointer stars, Alpha and Beta Centauri, and discuss the vast distances between the objects in our cosmos
  • Take a closer look at globular clusters, nebulae and other phenomena such as our companion dwarf galaxies, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
  • We finish off our evening by seeing the Galactic Core rise above the horizon with the Hook of Maui, Scorpius and the head of the Australian Aboriginal great Galactic Emu.

More Information & Booking
  • Bookings start at 7:00 PM in the Cellar Door, approx. 2-hour duration
  • Includes a glass of wine or soft drink, charcuterie board, educational presentation, guided outdoor viewing with binoculars and photos from Andy
  • Experiences are subject to weather conditions and sky conditions
  • Price:
    • $175.00 per adult aged 18+
    • $70.00 per child, from 8-17 years of age
 
Booking Dates:
Apart from weather, the light of the Moon affects the viewing conditions and visibility of objects in the night sky. We recommend booking a date around the time of a New Moon, if possible.

Optimal booking dates are below:

    • 6th to 7th April
    • 19th April to 7th May
    • 18th May to 5th June
ENQUIRE AND BOOK

Stargaze & Stay

Make the most of these incredible evenings and be our guest in one of our cosy Cottages on-site! 
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+64 (0) 3 664 6644
hello@montechristowinery.co.nz

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Cuisine Magazine has named our 2023 Pisa Pinot Noir the number 1 Pinot Noir in New Zealand, following a blind tasting of more than 100 wines.

 

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